Author Archives: Kristin Willis

How To Disable Background Apps

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If you have Windows 10, this is an important tip to know.

Background Apps, by default, are allowed to run even if they’re not being used. This means they’re affecting battery life, collecting information, and can download/install updates.

While this may not seem a problem to some, other users may want to disable it. Here’s what you do:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Click on Privacy
  3. Find Background Apps
  4. Turn off the “Let apps run in the background” option.

You also have the option of turning on/off individual applications, instead of turning all of them off as a whole.

Source: WindowsCentral

For any computer-related inquiries, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Downloads Are Taking Their Time

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Are your downloading speeds tanking? This could be a handful of reasons. So let’s discuss.

First, check out what your speeds actually are. Speedtest.net gives you accurate upload, download, and ping speeds. If speeds are lower than normal, try unplugging your router for around 30 seconds to a minute, then plug it back in.

Second, if that fails, contact your internet service provider and let them know of the issue. Techs can come out to your house and reset the connection. It’s also possible the router malfunctioned. They can replace it if you’re renting it from the provider, or will let you know you will have to replace it yourself.

Third, it’s possible the computers’ processing is faltering. HelloTech points out on their blog about cleaning the Windows Registry:

“In particular, the Windows registry can be corrupted or may contain many unnecessary files. The computer has to read all of these files before processing the actual download. This process can make everything move at a turtle’s pace. To fix this problem, you need to clean the Windows registry on a regular basis.”

If your computer needs some assistance, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Scottsdale Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Scottsdale, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2960 or schedule an appointment at www.scottsdalecomputerrepairservice.net.

When Should You Update to Windows 11?

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This question seems to be asked quite a bit. We understand many Microsoft users can’t wait for the revamped Windows 11 to be released.

If you notice in Windows OS news, there’s plenty of articles pertaining to the release and when to install it. Some are showing you can get it now. And while that may be the case, these are beta (preview) testing.

Microsoft involves the Windows Insiders to test out upcoming features and applications to receive feedback. This allows Microsoft developers to fix any issues that pop up through the testing process.

What is the Windows Insiders Program? Microsoft states on its website, “The Windows Insider Program is a community of millions of Windows’ biggest fans who get to be the first to see what’s next. Windows Insiders run previews of the platform, called Windows Insider Preview Builds, then give feedback and engage directly with our engineers to help shape the future of Windows.”

Seems cool, however, it comes with a variety of risks to your computer. If you choose to do this, it’s best to have a backup of all of your software, documents, files, and other personal information you may have.

So when is the best time to download Windows 11?

Microsoft will finally deliver Windows 11 to supported PCs on October 5th, after its announcement late in June this year. This is the best time to update your computer to the new operating system.

If you are needing assistance with any Microsoft issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

Wifi is slow, but why?

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With the amount of wi-fi gadgets in our homes, even the tiniest imperfections can have an affect on its performance. There could be a number of hindering culprits.

Here are a few ideas:

Did you know that WIFI speeds are affected by solid objects? Placing your Router in an open area can help the fluidity of speed to your devices.

In addition to computers, phones, and tablets, you’ll also find smart TVs, game consoles, media streaming sticks, smart home hubs connected to WIFI. Get rid of those that are not necessarily needed to boost your speed.

Often times, it’s as simple as unplugging/disconnecting your router from the wall for about 30 seconds. This allows it to readjust and reset.

Other cases involve a bad router. When the connection is bad and speeds have dropped, replacing your router could be the best solution to this problem.

For help with Windows 10 issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Mesa Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950. 

Running On Low Disk Space

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At the point when your PC has been utilized for quite a while, you might experience the “Low Disk Space” warning on your Windows operating system. Thankfully, Windows 10 supplies an allotted settings menu to make the process faster and reliable.

Numerous users don’t comprehend the need of having adequate disk space and introduce huge projects leaving not many MB size in C drive. The Windows Installation Disk needs sufficient space to run properly.

“If your PC is running low on free space, you might not be able to install important Windows updates, and your PC’s performance may be affected.

To check the total disk space left on your Windows 10 device, select File Explorer  from the taskbar, and then select This PC on the left. The available space on your drive will appear under Devices and drives.”

Source: Microsoft

You can also simply type in “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar of the Start Menu. There, the application will pop up. You will then be able to click on certain files to delete. It will also show the total amount of disk space you will gain from cleaning it up.

For inquiries with Microsoft issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

What it Means When Your Computer Freezes

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If your computer freezes, it could be a software or a hardware problem.

When devices are frozen, it means the windows on the screen have stopped responding. Everything has become at a stand-still. This can be quite frustrating to users, especially when working remotely or finishing up daily online schooling.

The easiest remedy comes as simply restarting your computer. Sometimes, that may not help. Here are a few reasons why your PC freezes up:

Software Issues

Updating any and all software is crucial to keeping your PC running smoothly. If your operating system is out-of-date, this could cause frozen windows. Make certain all applications are legitimate. Any malware can also hinder its performance.

Your Windows OS, or any other operating system you have installed, may be corrupted. If that’s the case, uninstall them, and re-install. We wrote a blog post recently about an unsupported Windows 11 OS that could spell disaster if downloaded and installed.

“With their exciting news, rumors have spread to allow users to download the unfinished, not-yet-announced Windows 11. The build leaked overseas, and Microsoft has expressed to users not to do so. On top of that, hackers have been busy taking advantage of this opportunity.”

Hardware Issues

Defective hardware can create malfunctions to the performance. Overheating can potentially disturb the quality of a PC. Fans are designed to keep them cool. All devices require ease of airflow to keep the fans running properly.

Also, any recent installations of components need to be considered a likely culprit. Try removing them to see if that’s the issue.

For any Windows operating system issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at The Woodlands Computer Repair Service. If you need better SEO or computer repair in Arvada, CO please call or text the local office at (281) 860-2550.

Update to Safari 15

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If you have macOS, be sure to update it to the latest version of the Safari browser. This particular update includes security and performance enhancements.

Safari 15 has a new design with rounder, more defined tabs with transparency support, and a couple of features, like a small tab bar alternative that can be switched on or off.

According to Apple, here’s what it features:

“Safari 15 delivers faster performance, improved security, and the following new features:

       • Tab Groups help you save and organize your tabs and easily access them across devices

       • Redesigned tabs have a rounder and more defined appearance and take on the color of the webpage

       • Compact tab bar option shows more of your web page on screen

       • HTTPS upgrade automatically switches sites from HTTP to more secure HTTPS when available”

To install, simply open up System Preferences and then to Software Update. It doesn’t require a Restart, thankfully.

For help with any computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Pasadena Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Pasadena, TX please call or text the local office at (281) 860-2550.

Hibernation Issues on Windows 10

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Hibernation in Windows causes issues on some PCs. What should you do?

Simply hold down the power button until the machine shuts down entirely to restart it. Even if you turn off your laptop, it may not turn off. To turn it off in this situation, you must remove the battery. It will not function if it is linked to the wall.

If the problem persists after your computer has been restored to normal operation, you should disable hibernation. To access the power choices, go to the control panel and then to the power options. Change to “Never” in the “Hibernate” section, if it’s available. You may also use the standby mode.

If you don’t see the “Hibernate” option, you’ll find “Sleep” instead. Click on the Start Menu, select Power, and click the Sleep option.

All operating apps and documents are stored in RAM during standby, while they are stored on the hard drive during hibernation.

This [Sleep] uses very little power, your PC starts up faster, and you’re instantly back to where you left off. You don’t have to worry that you’ll lose your work because of your battery draining, because Windows automatically saves all your work and turns off the PC if the battery is too low. Use sleep when you’re going to be away from your PC for just a little while—like when you’re taking a coffee break.

Source: Microsoft

Did you know? Hibernation mode consumes less battery power, but restarting the machine takes significantly longer.

If you always plug your computer into a power source, you might want to disable the standby and hibernation modes since you don’t need them when you’re connected.

If you have any computer-related issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Phoenix Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Phoenix, AZ please call our local office at (602) 445-9862.

What Happens When Your PC reboots Randomly

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A computer shutting down or restarting can be caused by a variety of factors. The three most common are a faulty power supply, a bad motherboard, or a laptop that overheats.

Remember, If it’s merely shutting off, it’s most likely due to overheating.

Your power supply may run out at any time. All of your hardware components are powered by the electrical supply. It can simply switch off if things aren’t going smoothly. Replacing them is quite cheap.

The worst-case scenario, which is sadly the most prevalent, is motherboard failure. Random shutdowns, restarts, and Windows problems may result as a result of this. At home, there is no practical method to inspect the motherboard. It is the most difficult element to repair when it breaks. Unfortunately, everything else is tied to it.

Incompatible or outdated drivers might sometimes be the source of the problem. This is especially if it began after a recent update or upgrade. The most common reason of unexpected restarts is your graphics card driver. As a result, remove the graphics card driver and allow Windows to obtain the most compatible drivers.

For inquiries with computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285. We would be happy to help. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Is Your Device Not Turning On?

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No matter how many times you push the power button to switch on your computer, no light appears and your monitor remains dark. This can be quite the conundrum for users, and confusing to say the least.

Here are a couple ways you may be able to remedy the situation:

First, double-check your power cable.

Check that it is correctly inserted and that there is power in the electrical socket where it is plugged in. Whether that works, you should grab a multimeter and check the power switch to see if it works as well. Remove all RAM and disconnect any devices linked to your PC.

If it still does not function and your power switch and power cord are both fine, test the power supply.

Clean it up

Clean the circuit board. Pay careful attention to the area surrounding the CPU, for any potential shorts, burn marks, and so on. Use a soft brush to dust off any kind of debris seen. If you find any burns on the motherboard, it needs to be replaced.

For help updating, restoring or dealing with any computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.